Desk Re-do

Our paint process was simple for this vintage drafters desk but took some patience and muscle.

1.We first took a wire brush to scrape the rusted metal until we felt it was smooth and clean enough to spray. 

2. We covered and taped all areas that we did not want the paint to reach. In this case, only the wood top was covered with plastic as well as the metal knobs. 

3. We generously covered the desk with the spray paint. 

4. After we where positive that the paint is dry, we took sand paper and roughly sanded down areas for a worn effect. Note: It helps to sand a spot and then stand back to assess where the next area might be best. 

5. We wiped on a coat of dark wood stain on all areas that we had painted then would lightly wipe it off. Not all of the stain will be removed. This creates a antiqued look. 

6. The last and final step was to apply a clear tongue oil for the wood top. This will protect the top from further damage and/or discoloration.

FT: Mixed Metals

A rule I live by is to NEVER try to match your metals. Our reason:

This can look as if the person has a lack of creativity. Matching color to color/ metal to metal lacks dimension and can make a person seem bland.

You can mix metals in a jewelry piece or on a table scape or wherever you choose, but the end result is that this fashion tip will add depth to your overall look.

Music Video Tuesday

      

I HEART this band! I truly do. 

Week after week I honestly try and find not only a band that I really love but a video I am smitten with. I am finding this to be a difficult task. I sometimes question if Music Video Tuesday should continue but then I think back to the simple days of MTV and how much a visual to a good song seemed so ever important  (think Pop Up Video) and how these days music videos are dying and I feel someone must keep this music/video marriage alive. Can that person be me? 

Aside from my wandering thoughts, i hope you enjoy the soothing sound of Radical Face. Please check out their other tunes for they are awesome!

Ring Box DIY

This DIY was one that I was waiting to do ever since I lit the wick on this candle (see below). The tin was so cute (how could I ever discard such a little beauty) and I was in need of a trinket box next to my bed. You can say that I have been thinking about this project for quite some time. 

Before & After 

Supplies Needed: Glue Gun, Glue Stick, Scissors, Fabric of choice, Trinket Box, and Filling (I used pillow fill from a old pillow)

Ok, so I can only write about a trinket box so long before it seems weird, but this project was near and dear to my heart. When I got engaged, it was a odd feeling to all of the sudden start wearing a ring especially when I am not typically a ring type of gal. I was so worried that I would damage it or loose it. I would be paranoid to take it off at night in case I knock it down and it rolls into a floor vent (did I say I was paranoid) or something. So, this is why I was really excited for my ring box. Safe and tucked in every night:)

Options w/ Baubles

I remember exploring my grandmothers jewelry box and how excited I was when I pulled the next piece out and it was brighter and bigger then the last. This got me thinking.... 

Every gal needs options (good ones atleast) and we are always working toward bringing you many fun, colorful pieces! 

Its Saturday and it's snowing....Have a great rest of your weekend!

(shop all jewelry HERE)

Recipe: Spaghetti Squash Salad

serves 4-6

1 medium-sized spaghetti squash

2 cups grape tomatoes, halved or quartered

1 small red onion, diced

1 banana pepper (or bell pepper), diced

1/2 cup kalamata olives (or black olives), chopped

1/4 cup fresh herbs, roughly chopped – I used a blend of oregano, mint and parsley

4 oz feta cheese (optional)

Dressing:

1/4 cup olive oil

1/4 cup red wine vinegar

2 cloves garlic, minced

1 teaspoon dried oregano

1/2 teaspoon sea salt

Preheat the oven to 375ºF. Cut the squash in half and place face down on a baking sheet (with a lip). Add some water to the baking sheet to help soften the squash at a higher pace.

Bake for 45 min or until the flesh is soft (if you can easily stick a knife through the skin, then it is ready). Allow to cool until you can easily handle it. Remove the seeds and fibrous strings from the center of the cooked spaghetti squash. Using a fork around the edge of the spaghetti squash, gently scrape to shred the pulp into strands. It will happen very easily.  Place the spaghetti squash in a large serving bowl, and place in the fridge to cool.

Meanwhile, whisk together the dressing ingredients in a small bowl and set aside.

Once the squash has cooled to about room temperature, add all of the other ingredients to the squash and toss well to combine. Pour the dressing over the salad and gently toss to combine.

Serve topped with additional fresh herbs and some crumbled feta cheese, if you wish!

P.S. this makes a great leftover dish!

Some Words

A little fact about me: I am a huge dreamer. When I was a child my parents where advised that I might have a learning disability and that I would need extra attention or a tutor to help me get through my classes. They claimed that I was not motivated and could not concentrate.  I was not a very active child, I did not play sports or even care to play games with all the other kids in class (I was very shy), but I loved to sit and daydream. I would look out the big windows and dream of how lovely it would be to climb the maple tree where the squirrels chased one another and how sunny the sky was, a perfect day for flying a kite or how much fun it would be to make a fort in the woods with my sister. 

There was nothing wrong with me and yet I was punished for being a dreamer. I am so glad that as an adult I am able to use my dreams as a way to push myself creatively. I think all of my years as being a professional daydreamer made me seem odd to the outside world, but it also formed who I am as a person. 

Below are some of my favorite quotes and saying that helps me to stay positive, and feel good about who I am and where my dreams/thoughts are taking me. I am getting excited for 2013 and to the many thoughts and dreams that will be made! I hope one of these quotes brightens your day!